The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a unique non-university research center which is dedicated to the subject dementia and all its areas, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. The center compasses the full spectrum of fundamental research through population sciences to health care research. The DZNE stands for excellence in research and science management, translation of scientific results into practice, interdisciplinarity and internationalization. It is a research center within the Helmholtz Organization of German research centers. With over 1,000 employees from 55 nations, spread over 9 sites, the DZNE is one of the national and international leading research centers in its research field.

Population Health Sciences at the DZNE in Bonn, Germany, is seeking a

Laboratory Manager (f/m) for the Rhineland Study
– Code 1539/2018/1

Rhineland Study is a prospective population-based cohort study that will include up to 30,000 people aged 30 years and over, run for decades, and emphasizes brain-related outcomes. Study facilities encompass 2 fully operational examination centers equipped with state-of-the-art apparatus including advanced laboratory and bio-banking facilities for collection and processing of human biomaterials. The study is led by Monique M. B. Breteler, Director of Population Health Sciences at the DZNE. An important aim of the study is to identify determinants and biomarkers of normal and pathological mental and physical health function over the adult life course, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

As laboratory manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all biomaterial collection in the Rhineland Study (blood, urine, stool, etc). You will also implement further state-of-the-art collection, processing and storage protocols. In your tasks, you will be supported by a deputy laboratory manager and a growing team of laboratory technicians.

Specifically, tasks include:

Development, implementation and maintenance of specimen preparation and analytical procedures in close collaboration with external experts and diagnostic laboratories

Supervision of daily laboratory activities in the examination centers as well as training and supervision of the study technicians and other laboratory personnel involved in sample collection, preparation, storage and retrieval

Maintenance and further development of the laboratory information system (LIMS)

Quality control and quality assurance as well as generation and maintenance of reports

Qualifications and experience:
Successful candidates hold a university degree in a biological, biochemical or medical laboratory-related area. Several years of working experience in biobanking and/or in running a diagnostic or similar laboratory working with human samples in a medium to high-throughput fashion is a must.

You are the right candidate if you are:

a proactive person that is highly motivated and has strong managerial and communication skills.